Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has stepped up efforts to consolidate support for President William Ruto in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that the government’s development record gives the President a strong case for a second term.
Lusaka, who chairs President Ruto’s re-election campaign in the Western region, said residents should judge the Kenya Kwanza administration on the basis of projects implemented since it took office rather than political rhetoric from rivals.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment meeting at Muji in Webuye East Constituency on Sunday, the Governor highlighted infrastructure, health and transport projects currently underway in Bungoma, saying they were already changing the county’s economic landscape.
He singled out the expansion of Matulo Airstrip in Webuye as one of the key investments expected to spur economic growth in the region.
According to Lusaka, plans are in place to extend the runway and put up a modern passenger terminal to pave way for commercial flights.
“Once completed, the airstrip will attract investors, support trade and create employment opportunities for our people,” he said.
The governor also pointed to the Webuye Modern Market project, saying the facility would provide traders with improved working spaces while stimulating businesses in the town.
On sports development, Lusaka praised the ongoing upgrading of Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium, noting that the facility had successfully hosted this year’s Western Region Secondary Schools Games.
He said the tournament showcased the abundance of sporting talent in the region and underscored the importance of investing in modern sports infrastructure.
Lusaka commended the national government’s collaboration with county governments in developing sporting facilities, saying such investments were critical in identifying and nurturing young talents.
He further cited the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba highway and the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba through Myanga in Bumula Constituency saying the projects would boost trade and ease movement of goods and people.
The governor said improved transport networks would reduce logistics costs and make Western Kenya more attractive to investors.
In the health sector, Lusaka announced that Sh100 million had been set aside for the construction of Sinoko Hospital in Webuye East, a project he said would improve access to medical services for residents.
The governor used the forum to dismiss the opposition’s chances in the 2027 polls, saying internal wrangles and the absence of a common agenda had weakened the opposition’s ability to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The President’s record is visible for everyone to see and that is what Kenyans will use to make their decision,” he said.
The meeting, organised by Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi, brought together National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, several Members of Parliament and other leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Leaders attending the event contributed towards boda boda savings groups and urged area residents to back President Ruto’s re-election bid to ensure continuity of ongoing development programmes.
By Chris Mahandara
